The Edo State Government and Dangote Cement have committed to strengthening their collaboration to tackle operational hurdles and explore new investment prospects, following a high-level meeting held at the company’s Okpella plant on Wednesday.
The Edo State delegation, led by Mr. Amen Odigie, Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), reiterated the government’s dedication to providing enhanced support and a more conducive business environment to bolster industrial activity, job creation, and infrastructure development within the state.
“ESIPO is committed to being a proactive partner in your continued success,” stated Mr. Odigie during the meeting. “This visit provides us with the opportunity to listen, understand your operations, and identify avenues through which we can support further expansion.”
As part of its commitment, ESIPO pledged to facilitate improved company-community dialogue through the organization of town hall meetings. Furthermore, Mr. Odigie encouraged Dangote Cement to invest in training programs for local youths to prepare them for leadership roles within the company and community.
Mr. Mohammed Ismaeel, Director of Dangote Cement’s Okpella Plant, raised several critical concerns during the meeting. These included the dilapidated state of a 7.5-kilometer access road and escalating security threats in the area, citing a recent kidnapping incident involving ten employees. Mr. Ismaeel urged the state government to intervene by facilitating road repairs and enhancing security coordination.
He also proposed an innovative solution for granite waste generated from limestone mining, suggesting its conversion into road and housing materials through investor partnerships. This initiative, he argued, had the potential to create jobs and generate substantial revenue.
Further, Mr. Ismaeel appealed to the state government for assistance in identifying new limestone reserves to ensure the long-term sustainability of the plant’s operations. He emphasized Dangote Cement’s full tax compliance and advocated for competitive tax benchmarking with neighboring states.
Discussions also encompassed crucial topics such as community relations, youth employment opportunities, and the development of local leadership skills. Mr. Ismaeel highlighted the plant’s robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including scholarships, security support, rural road construction, and forthcoming plans for a health facility in partnership with the state Ministry of Health.
Employing over 1,000 workers, the Okpella plant operates with self-generated power from two 30-megawatt units, demonstrating its operational independence. The collaborative efforts between the Edo State Government and Dangote Cement signal a commitment to fostering sustainable industrial growth and community development within the region.